Helena balloon sculpture festival to raise funds for local nonprofits

The first-ever Montana Balloon Sculpture Festival is set to raise funds for nearly two dozen Helena-area nonprofits this weekend.

Balloon artist Neil Sauter, right, creator of Montana first-ever Balloon Sculpture Festival, surveys a balloon sculpture in Helena’s Anchor Park Friday morning. The festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, aims to raise funds for local nonprofits.

NOLAN LISTER

The 48-hour fundraising festival kicks off with a live music performance at Ten Mile Creek Brewery at 5 p.m. Friday followed by a walking tour of the balloon sculptures with the artist behind the work, Neil Sauter.

Sauter has operated his business, Sauter Balloons, in Helena for the past year, installing balloon sculptures on the Last Chance Gulch Walking Mall for Easter and at the Helena Farmers’ Market for its 50th anniversary.

“I’ve been making balloon sculptures for about 11 years. I like the challenge of building things,” said Sauter, who hopes to make this an annual event.

Balloon artist Neil Sauter, owner of Sauter Balloons and creator of Montana Balloon Sculpture

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